Unbelievable Pingyao Luxury: Hanting Premium Hotel's Youjian Theater Awaits!
Unbelievably Pingyao…and Maybe a Little Over-Hyped? A Review of Hanting Premium Hotel & Youjian Theater!
Okay, buckle up, because this place… Hanting Premium in Pingyao… it's a trip. And honestly, after wandering the ancient city all day, I needed a trip. This review's going to be long because, well, I had a lot of thoughts. And maybe a few strong opinions, too. Buckle up.
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Let’s start with the hype, shall we? The official spiel promised "Unbelievable Pingyao Luxury." I'll be honest, after the dust and throngs of tourists of the ancient city, I was ready to believe. And, well, they delivered… mostly.
Accessibility: Okay, this is a big one, and honestly, where my initial excitement dipped a smidge. While the listing boasts Facilities for Disabled Guests, accessing the Youjian Theater (which is the reason you're likely here - I'll get to the show later) was… a bit of a challenge. Getting around the main hotel areas was surprisingly smooth, with well-placed elevators and ramps. However, maneuvering around the complex outside, especially towards the theater, felt… less thoughtfully planned. There were a few narrow passages and cobblestone paths that presented a potential struggle for someone using a wheelchair. The hotel might need to double down on accessible access. Also, the exterior corridors can get a bit drafty, even in the supposed premium level. I saw a bit of snow and it didn't exactly scream "luxury". Rating: B+ (Mostly because the interior accessibility was pretty good.)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yeah, I saw a few restaurants and lounges, but I frankly didn't investigate this level completely.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, partially. See above.
Cleanliness and Safety: Where They Really Shine!
Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff. They NAILED the hygiene game. This was a huge relief, especially post-pandemic (and, you know, after battling the crowds of Pingyao). The Anti-viral cleaning products were evident everywhere, and seeing Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays actually made me relax. Hand sanitiser was readily available and they seemed to have Hygiene certification. I felt a certain comfort given the events of the last few years. Seeing Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast was also a nice touch. Rating: A+ (Seriously, they aced it.) They had Staff trained in safety protocol and it showed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag
Ah, the food. This is where the "Unbelievable" started getting a little… questionable.
- Breakfast (Oh, the Breakfast!): Here's the thing – the Breakfast [buffet] was… a buffet. I mean, it was there. There was Asian breakfast (noodles, mostly), Western breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast… the usual suspects), but nothing really wowed me. The Buffet in restaurant wasn't anything special, however, I did notice the hotel provided Breakfast takeaway service., which was a nice touch.
- Restaurants, Bars, and All That Jazz: There are a few Restaurants, but I mostly stuck to the main one. They offered Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. The Poolside bar existed, but I didn't go, and there was a lot of talk about Happy hour, but I never found it.
- Room Service (24-hour): YES! Glorious, late-night noodles. They had Room service [24-hour]. The only way to eat after a long day. I can't lie. Rating: B (Good enough, but not mind-blowing.) They even provided Bottle of water, which was a relief.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Okay, and the "Meh"
- The Great: Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Concierge was helpful. Dry cleaning was a lifesaver. The Elevator was crucial (especially after a long day walking the cobbled streets). I used the Laundry service too. The Doorman was also top-notch, very courteous.
- The Okay: Currency exchange was available, which was handy. Luggage storage was perfect. The Meeting/banquet facilities, I didn't see, but they looked impressive from the lobby. The Gift/souvenir shop was decent, but nothing spectacular.
- The "Meh": The Business facilities were okay, nothing exceptional.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Flops
- The Spa Experience: The Spa/sauna was a genuine highlight. The Body scrub was amazing, and I indulged in a Massage that melted away all the stress of travel. The Sauna and Steamroom were also pretty good. The place was beautiful. Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor] were there, but I didn't have time to enjoy them.
- The Fitness Center Conundrum: I peeked into the Gym/fitness, and it was, well, present. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a state-of-the-art fitness mecca. It did have some equipment.
- Foot bath: Didn't try it.
- Spa: Yes! Great.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
- I didn't see any kids, but the hotel had Babysitting service and they're listed as Family/child friendly and had Kids meal. This might be a great option if you are travelling with the entire family.
Rooms: Where the "Premium" Shines… Mostly
My room? Pretty darn good. The Air conditioning worked flawlessly. The Bathroom was spacious, with a Separate shower/bathtub. The bed was comfy, though, the extra-long bed was just a tiny bit too long. The Bathrobes and Slippers were a welcome luxury. They provide Complimentary tea, which was great in the morning. The Coffe/tea maker was a lifesaver. I loved the Blackout curtains that allowed me to sleep in. The Internet access – wireless was consistently strong (thank goodness!), and the Wi-Fi [free] was great! They even had Additional toilet!
The down-side? The View was not spectacular (just another building), but the Soundproofing was good, so I wasn't bothered by the occasional noise. The Room decorations were tasteful. The In-room safe box was a must-have. Rating: A- (Overall, very comfortable and well-equipped.)
Getting Around:
The Airport transfer was smooth and convenient, so I give them points for that. Car park [free of charge] was a bonus if you're driving, which is great. The Hotel provides Taxi service as well.
The Youjian Theater – The Real Reason You’re Here (and Where it Gets Interesting…)
Okay, here's the headliner. The Youjian Theater is a big deal. The show… It's a visual spectacle, a dazzling display of light, sound, and performance. The costumes are beautiful, the choreography is impressive, and the story (Pingyao's history) is compelling. I got chills during parts of it. The Audio-visual equipment for special events was top notch.
But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?)… Getting to the theater felt a little…disjointed. The signage could be clearer. The walk itself wasn't the most scenic, nor the easiest. (Again, accessibility issues noted above.)
The Show itself: The staging, the lighting, the acrobatic feats of the performers, it was all breathtaking! I would recommend the show. Highly.
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
Overall? Hanting Premium Hotel is a good choice. The cleanliness, the spa, the well-equipped rooms, and, of course, Youjian Theater (once you get there) are all worthwhile factors. This isn’t a perfect hotel, by any means. The accessibility issues were a real bummer because they kept me from relaxing as much as I could. But the value is there, in terms of quality and service. The staff tried to be helpful, and the show, once you're in the theater, is truly amazing. I would go back… but maybe just take a few more deep breaths on arrival. And maybe take my own sign to help guide the way to the theater!
Tainan's Funky Beats: The Song That'll Make You Groove!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is my trip to Hanting Premium Hotel Youjian Pingyao Theater Jinzhong, China. Consider yourself warned – there will be tangents, there will be whinging, and there will, hopefully, be some genuinely amazing moments. Let's get this chaotic show on the road:
Day 1: The Great Wall of Jet Lag and the Quest for Noodles (Pingyao Adjacent-ish)
6:00 AM (ish) - Departure from… some airport: Flying. Blegh. Airports always start like a goddamn endurance test. The security line gave me a full-blown existential crisis, mostly because I forgot to empty my water bottle AGAIN. Swore I’d learn. Swore. Anyway, the flight was… fine. Mostly. I did get the window seat, even though I knew I'd mostly spend the time glued to the in-flight entertainment. (Yes, I watched the entire Top Gun: Maverick AGAIN. Judgment is welcome).
Noon (give or take a three-hour delay) - Arrival in Jinzhong & the Hotel Shuffle: Finally! Landed. The air felt… different. Cleaner? Polluted? Honestly, my brain was still running on US time, so I couldn't tell. Finding the Hanting Premium Hotel Youjian Pingyao Theater was a feat in itself. Seriously, the map app was about as helpful as a chocolate teapot. Ended up wandering in circles with my suitcase, sweating like a pig. Finally, found it. Check-in was smooth (thank god, the lady at the desk was remarkably patient).
1:00 PM - Hotel Room Revelation (and Deep Sighs): Okay, the room. It’s… nice. Clean, comfortable bed (crucial!). But the air conditioning? Ugh. Either freezing you or blowing hot air on you. I'm already envisioning a night spent tossing and turning. (Spoiler alert: that’s exactly what happened every night).
2:00 PM - The Noodle Hunt Begins: Listen, after a transatlantic flight, you NEED nourishment. My stomach was growling louder than the traffic outside. Noodles were the mission. Wandered the streets, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of… everything. Signs in Chinese (obviously). People bustling. The smells! Eventually, I stumbled into a tiny noodle shop. The menu was all Chinese characters. I pointed. They seemed to understand. (God, I hope I didn't accidentally order a plate of something that’ll make me regret everything).
2:30 PM - Noodle Nirvana (Almost): The noodles arrived. Steaming, fragrant, and absolutely HUGE. One problem: chopsticks. I can never use those things without looking like a clumsy idiot. But I persevered and oh, the broth. The noodles. Absolute heaven. I practically inhaled them. This is what jetlag and travel is all about.
3:30 PM - The Nap That Never Happened: Back in the hotel room, attempting to conquer the monster of jet lag with a nap. Spoiler alert: I failed miserably. Tossed, turned, and stared at the ceiling. The sheer silence of the room was deafening compared to the bustling streets I had just left.
7:00 PM - First Evening Stroll & Sensory Overload: Dragged myself out again. Needed air (and more food, probably). The evening air was thick with the scent of… something. Spicy food, maybe? Incense? Couldn't place it. The streets were buzzing. Lanterns glowed. The sheer, overwhelming "Chineseness" of it all was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was incredible.
8:00 PM - Dinner Disaster & the Language Barrier: Tried another restaurant. This time, ordering proved even more challenging. The waitress spoke about as much English as I spoke Mandarin. I ended up with… well, I'm not exactly sure what it was. But it involved a lot of spice and some kind of bony meat. I ate it. Mostly. The look I got from the waitress when I tried to pay with a credit card was priceless. Apparently, CASH IS KING. Note to self: Hit the ATM tomorrow.
9:00 PM - Back to the Hotel and the Eternal Struggle: Back to the freezing/sweltering hotel room. Another night of tossing and turning. I did some reading (in my case, some browsing of Reddit). Then tried to sleep. Failed spectacularly.
Day 2: The Pingyao Ancient City (and the Lesson in Patience)
8:00 AM (ish) - Breakfast Trauma (and a Revelation): Hotel breakfast. Standard stuff. But the porridge tasted… odd. Seriously, I still can't work out what was in it. But there was, thankfully, a giant mountain of freshly steamed buns. These were a life-saver.
9:00 AM - Journey to the Ancient City: The hotel staff arranged a taxi to the entrance to the Ancient City. The drive was, let’s say, interesting. Our driver seemed to treat the road like a suggestion. Got there in one piece, which was a small miracle.
10:00 AM - Ancient City: The Initial Wow: Walking through the gates of the Ancient City was genuinely breathtaking. The architecture was stunning. The preserved buildings, the cobbled streets, the atmosphere… It was like stepping back in time. I immediately pulled out my camera and started snapping away.
10:30 AM - The Crowds (and the Growing Dread): The initial wow faded, replaced by a growing wave of "Oh my god, there are so many people." The narrow, winding streets were packed. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream. Trying to take photos became a battle against selfie sticks and jostling tourists. I wanted to see everything but also wanted to scream.
11:00 AM - The Bank of China Museum: Decided to dive into the museums, hoping for a quieter experience. The Bank of China Museum. It was cool, but still crowded. And I'm not sure I completely understood anything. So many ancient Chinese things and so little explanation, I felt like I was a dog chasing its tail!
12:00 PM - The Great Wall of Patience (Lunch): Found a tiny restaurant tucked away in a courtyard. The menu? More Chinese characters. More pointing. The food was delicious. The wait? Ages. Apparently, the kitchen was manned by one tiny woman with the speed of a sloth. But, when it arrived, it was worth it.
1:30 PM - The City Walls: A Glimpse of Grandeur (and the Pain in my Feet): The climb to the City Walls. The view from the top was spectacular. The city stretched out before me, a tapestry of rooftops and ancient buildings. But the climb was exhausting. My feet were already screaming, and the sun was beating down. I should have worn better shoes. Another lesson learned.
2:30 PM - The Tea House (and the Moment of Calm): Decided to retreat to a tea house. Found a quiet spot (miracle!), ordered some tea (which turned out to be extremely bitter), and sat, watching the world go by. Finally, a moment of peace. Actually, it gave me the mental fortitude to press on with the day.
3:30 PM - The Shop-Til-You-Drop (Sort Of): Wandered through the shops. Souvenirs. Silk scarves. Knick-knacks. I resisted the urge to buy everything (mostly). Then, I bought a silk scarf. A VERY beautiful one.
4:30 PM - Attempted Escape (and the Realization That I Was Trapped): The crowds. The heat. The sheer exhaustion. I wanted to leave. But the only way out was through the city. I sighed. Onward.
6:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma (Again): Back to the hotel, exhausted. Dinner? Another adventure. I'm starting to get a little braver, or maybe just desperate. The spice level is definitely increasing.
7:00 PM - Bedtime prep Getting ready for bed. I think I actually want to go to bed.
8:00 PM - Sleep. Maybe? Sleep. I think I actually managed to get some solid sleep. The air conditioner was actually working okay!
Day 3: The Pingyao Theater and Departure (and the Promise to Return… Maybe)
9:00 AM - Farewell Porridge Had the hotel breakfast again. Not looking forward to my upcoming flight.
10:00 AM - Youjian Pingyao Theater anticipation: I'm off to the Yu Jian Pingyao Theater. One of the main reasons I came.
11:00 AM - The Youjian Pingyao Theater: The architecture of the building itself is breathtaking. I'm so excited.
12:00 - 2:00 PM - The Show: The story was intriguing. The acting and dancing were incredible, but it was very long. The sound system made it hard to take notes.
3:00 PM - Last Lunch: A final meal, trying to soak up the last drops of the experience. I won't miss the menus, but I will miss
So, Hanting Premium in Pingyao... Is it worth the hype? Seriously?
Alright, let's be real. Pingyao itself is an experience. Cobblestone streets, ancient walls – it's *stunning*. And the Hanting? Well, it's trying to keep up. The "Premium" part? That's where it gets tricky. They *want* you to think luxury. Some parts? Nailed it. The lobby? Gorgeous. The staff? Mostly lovely, though my Mandarin is… a work in progress, let's just say. The rooms? Think sleek, modern, and *slightly* reminiscent of a really well-appointed IKEA. So, worth the hype? Depends. Do you expect a five-star extravaganza? Probably not. Do you want a comfortable, clean basecamp to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site in relative style? Probably, yeah. I'd give it a solid 7/10. (And I say that after accidentally setting off the smoke alarm with a particularly enthusiastic attempt at boiling water for tea. Oops. They were remarkably chill about it.)
Let's talk about the Youjian Theater. Is the show actually *good*? Like, really, really good?
Listen, this is where things get *interesting*. The show itself… Youjian. It's… an experience. Think sweeping historical drama, epic battles, folksy songs, and a whole lotta storytelling. The set design? Absolutely breathtaking. Massive, intricate backdrops that move and shift, lighting that makes you gasp, and what looked like *actual horses* charging across the stage. (Side note: I may have shed a tear at one point. Don't judge me, it was the music!) Now, the *plot* itself… Well, let's just say if you're not familiar with (or even *slightly* interested in) the history of Pingyao and the Jin merchants, you *might* get a little lost. I did. Repeatedly. But even when I didn’t understand EVERYTHING, the sheer spectacle kept me captivated. My biggest complaint? The translations. They were… intermittent, shall we say. Sometimes you got a full sentence, other times, a single word. But the atmosphere? The energy? Totally worth it. Go in with an open mind, a healthy dose of curiosity, and maybe do a *little* pre-show research. You won’t regret it – or, at least, you’ll have plenty to talk about afterward! (I spent a good hour dissecting the ending with my bewildered travel companion.)
Okay, the hotel rooms. Are they *actually* premium? Or just… nicer?
"Premium" is a subjective term, isn't it? My room was… well, it was *nice*. Comfortable bed, decent (but not amazing) view, clean bathroom (essential!). The decor was minimalist-chic, which is a fancy way of saying "mostly white and grey." The water pressure in the shower? Excellent. Essential! But here's the thing. I'm a sucker for a small, thoughtful detail. I love those little shampoo bottles. I’m not gonna lie. This hotel did not particularly impress. We got two tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner for two people staying two days. Really? Some hotels throw in a toothbrush kit and a shaving kit, but not this one. I appreciate that they are trying to be "eco-friendly", but don’t be cheap! It's a *Premium* hotel. They offered a tea kettle AND instant coffee. I need to say no more. On the other hand, the air conditioning worked like a *charm*, which was a godsend during the summer heat. So… mixed bag. Premium-adjacent, maybe? Solid B+ for effort.
What's the food situation like? Do they have a decent breakfast?
Breakfast. Okay, breakfast. This is where the imperfections really shine. The breakfast "buffet" was… adequate. Think standard Chinese breakfast fare: congee (rice porridge), buns, some cold cuts, and, bless their hearts, a tentative attempt at Western options. There were also some weird things. Like, I tried something that tasted suspiciously like… pig’s feet. Don't judge me! I like to adventure! I stuck with the safe choices after that, like the toast and the egg (cooked by the staff.) The coffee? Drinkable. Barely. But hey, at least it fueled me up for a day of exploring. The thing is, I'm not a HUGE breakfast person. So. It was fine. Just don't expect a Michelin-star culinary experience. (And maybe skip the… unidentified meat products.)
How easy is it to get to the Youjian Theater from the hotel? Is it a long walk?
The *best* part? The Youjian Theater is practically next door! Seriously, you could practically roll out of bed, stumble down the street, and be in your seat. (Although, I'd recommend actually showering and getting dressed.) The proximity is a *huge* selling point. No taxis, no long walks, no stressful commute. Pure convenience. This is why, even if the rooms were a little "meh," I'd still recommend staying here. Seriously. The convenience factor alone makes it almost worth it (especially after a few glasses of the local rice wine!). So, yes, the location is amazing. Absolute win. (I even saw a group of people in their bathrobes heading over to the theater. I *might* have considered it myself, but resisted the urge).
Are there any downsides to staying at the Hanting Premium? What should I be aware of?
Ugh, okay, the downsides. Well… Firstly, the language barrier can be tricky. While some staff speak English, it’s not universal. So, brush up on your Mandarin phrases, or download a translation app (trust me on this one!). Secondly, the “premium” vibe can be a little… inconsistent. Don't expect the over-the-top luxury you might find in a Western five-star hotel. Thirdly, the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty. Fourthly, there was a small incident where the hotel *tried* to charge extra for our luggage. I argued, and they backed down almost immediately. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was annoying. Finally, and this is huge for me because I'm clumsy, the room layout made navigating the space a bit tricky. Seriously, I tripped over… something… at least twice. Otherwise, a pretty minor list of complaints. Seriously, go… just don't expect perfection!
Anything else I should know before seeing the Youjian show? Like, any insider tips?
Okay, listen up. Insider tips for the Youjian show: 1) Book your tickets *in advance*. Especially during peak season. 2) Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. It's a long show. 3) Bring some snacks and water. (Pro tip: They *might* have some snacks at the entrance, but they're probably overpriced, and I do not condone excessive spending. Save your money for the… well, for otherComfy Hotel Finder
